Nothing is Off Limits

Nothing is Off Limits

If I had to guess, I would bet most of you have gone on a diet or tried to lose weight at some point in your life. I know I have. Now that I am pregnant (Surprise!), I am being told about foods I should eat and, of course, foods I should NOT eat. Normally, I eat what I want – I do not make any foods off-limits, but I focus on eating healthy foods that make me feel good. Now, I am being told I should not eat foods like cold cuts, salami, feta cheese, and over easy eggs. Guess what has happened. These off-limit foods are all I want to eat!

The same thing happens when you put yourself on a diet and make foods (or even entire food groups) off-limit. You always want what is forbidden (forbidden apple in the Garden of Eden anyone?) and it takes over your life. You wake up thinking about it, go to sleep thinking about it, and maybe even dream about it! In addition, studies show while you may initially lose weight when on a diet, in the longer-run the majority of people gain the weight back, and then some! Diets are not sustainable – healthy lifestyle changes will be with you for the long haul.

Instead of limiting what you eat to lose weight, why don’t you add to it? Add more vegetables and fruit, add more lean protein, add more healthy fat, and even add more whole carbs. By the time you add in all this nutritious food, your plate will be full! If you need some food inspiration, the internet is full of great recipes to inspire you. When was the last time you ventured to the bookstore and took some time to browse for a new cookbook? Cooking healthy meals for you and your family does not have to be bland or boring – enjoy what you eat!